One of the proudest moments in my career as a functional medicine practitioner happened early on when I opened the doors of the Wellness Connection. It was a transformative experience, not just for my patient but also for me as a clinician, as it reinforced my belief in the incredible power of the right testing, diet, and lifestyle changes.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
One of my first patients came to me with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. If you know anything about UC, you know it’s not just painful—it’s debilitating. It’s the kind of condition that disrupts every aspect of life, from physical health to mental well-being.
When she walked through my door, she was at her wit’s end. Traditional treatments weren’t providing relief, and the side effects of medication were taking a toll on her body and spirit. She needed answers. She needed hope.
The Functional Medicine Approach
In functional medicine, we believe in treating the root cause, not just masking symptoms. With her diagnosis in mind, we began a thorough evaluation that included advanced testing and a deep dive into her diet and lifestyle.
Testing Beyond the Basics
Traditional tests often focus on identifying diseases, but functional testing digs deeper. For my patient, this meant looking at gut health, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies. We uncovered some critical insights, including triggers that were exacerbating her condition.The Power of Diet
I guided her through a dietary overhaul. We eliminated inflammatory foods and focused on nutrient-dense options that supported gut healing. Foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and probiotics became the cornerstone of her meals.Lifestyle Changes
Chronic stress is a significant factor in autoimmune diseases, so we worked on managing her stress through mindfulness practices, gentle movement, and adequate sleep. These changes helped her body move from a constant state of “fight or flight” to a state of healing and repair.
Six to Nine Months Later: A Breakthrough
The results didn’t happen overnight—healing takes time. But after six to nine months of dedication, she experienced something remarkable: complete remission of her symptoms. She felt better than she had in years, and she wasn’t on any medication.
Her transformation was so profound that when she went back to her doctor, she was told something shocking: “You must have been misdiagnosed. Ulcerative colitis doesn’t just go away.”
Imagine her relief. To be told that this condition no longer defined her life was empowering.
A Setback, A Lesson
Unfortunately, autoimmune conditions don’t just disappear. A year or two later, she experienced a flare-up and was hospitalized. The doctors confirmed her original diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. While this was a difficult time for her, it reaffirmed something important: remission doesn’t mean cured. Autoimmune diseases require ongoing care and vigilance.
Still, the progress she made during those initial months wasn’t in vain. It proved that with the right approach, it’s possible to live symptom-free and reduce dependence on medication.
Why This Moment Matters to Me
This experience is one of my proudest moments in practice, not just because of the results but because of what it represents. It’s a testament to the potential of functional medicine to go beyond symptom management and address the root causes of illness.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition. By nature, autoimmune diseases involve the immune system attacking the body. Through diet and lifestyle changes, we were able to calm her immune system, reduce inflammation, and give her body the tools it needed to repair itself.
This wasn’t just about “feeling better”—it was about regaining control of her health, living without constant pain, and experiencing freedom from medication.
What This Means for You
If you’re struggling with an autoimmune condition, here’s what I want you to know:
The Right Testing is Key
Many conditions, especially autoimmune ones, are misunderstood or mismanaged because the underlying causes aren’t identified. Comprehensive testing can reveal imbalances and triggers that might be overlooked in conventional medicine.Diet is a Game-Changer
What you eat can either fuel inflammation or fight it. A tailored, anti-inflammatory diet can make all the difference.Lifestyle is Medicine
Stress management, quality sleep, and regular movement aren’t just nice add-ons—they’re essential to healing.Remission is Possible
While autoimmune conditions are chronic, remission is achievable with the right approach. Symptoms can be minimized, and quality of life can improve dramatically.Healing Takes Time
Patience and consistency are crucial. Six to nine months of commitment gave my patient her life back.You Need the Right Support
Having a team that listens, understands, and tailors care to your unique needs is vital.
The Bigger Picture
For me, this experience wasn’t just about one patient’s journey—it was a defining moment in my career. It reinforced why I chose this path and why I’m so passionate about helping others find their way to better health.
Autoimmune conditions like ulcerative colitis are complex, but they don’t have to be a life sentence. With the right tools, the right mindset, and the right team, healing is possible.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, hopeless, or unsure of where to turn, know this: there is hope. You don’t have to accept suffering as your norm. The body is an incredible healer when given the chance, and I’m here to remind you that better days are ahead.
